If you’ve ever left a networking event saying, “now who was that guy from XYZ Company?” or “who was it Jim Jones said I should talk with?” — keep reading. Here are 5 tips to listening more effectively.
==> Position yourself as a great conversationalist.
People naturally want to answer questions, so learn how to ask questions that people will want to answer. The information you get will enable you to help that person and cement yourself in their memory as someone they want to help whenever they can.
==> Be an active listener.
Reflect the words you hear back to the person with whom you are talking. This technique ensures that you understand what is being said and reinforces the fact that you really are listening.
==>Develop key questions.
Your objective is to get advice, information, or referrals. In order to maximize your time and enhance your listening ability, develop 3 to 5 key questions that you want to ask every new networking prospect. Practice asking those questions until they naturally and automatically roll off your tongue. This will allow you to focus on what your contact is saying, rather than what your next question should be.
==> Make notes.
When you have talked with six or eight or even more people at a networking event, it’s easy to forget important details or confuse which facts go with which person. As soon as you have politely excused yourself at the end of the conversation, make a couple of notes that detail the key points from that conversation. Discreetly, of course. These key points will serve as the basis for your next contact and further illustrate your winning listening skills.
==> Follow up.
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Make every effort to follow up with new contacts by giving them something they can use. Remember the advice, information, and referrals you want? They do too. Position yourself as an incredible resource by using the information you receive to help others.
When networking, your goal should be to build a relationship, not to ask for a job. People want to do business with people they know, like, and trust. This means that you need to build a mutually beneficial relationship with people if you want to leverage their ability to help you. Building trust and respect means making eye contact and keeping them engaged so they feel like they are the most important person in the world.
Rina Valan, President and Founder of Fantasia Home Parties
